Radio Control: Scale
THE 1998 AMA SCALE NATS was held at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. Like the other portions of the Nats, the AMA Special Interest Group (SIG) for Scale runs the events in its specialty: NASA (National Association of Scale Aeromodelers). Take one of the best flying sites in the country; add the best Scale modelers and models in various classes; combine these ingredients with sunny skies, little wind, and low humidity, and a high temperature in the low 80s; then throw in a great banquet, and you have the beginnings of a great contest. Add several understanding, supportive wives and many other volunteers, judges, Event Directors, and Flightline Directors, and you have all the ingredients for a great AMA Scale Nats.
Scale Masters: Terry Nitsch edges Greg Hahn at Columbus
Held September 17-20 in Columbus, Ohio at the Darby Dan Airport, the 1998 U.S. Scale Masters Championships was the final chapter in a year-long process of Scale qualifying contests across the United States. The local clubs (Westerville Model Aero Association and The Ohio Radio Kontrol Society) orchestrated this gigantic undertaking masterfully, with more than 80 volunteers. Contest Director Bill Midgley managed the event, with guidance and assistance from Mike Barbee and Terry Nitsch-two Scale modelers who were instrumental in bringing Scale Masters back to Columbus after the success of the 1995 event.
Why Not Model . . . Velie Monocoupe
IN THE 1920s the aviation industry was growing at a rapid pace. Almost anything seemed possible-especially after Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. After that, only the imagination of the designers limited their leaps in technology and the future of aviation. The word "Monocoupe" is synonymous with the dawn of civil aviation. Individuals flew Monocoupes as company aircraft, and they were raced and worked the air show circuits. Stock and modified models took 11 of 49 first-place finishes at the 1930 National Air Races. Pilots Johnny Livingston, Phoebe Onile, Wesley Smith, Bart Stevenson, and Vern Roberts were among the racers who flew Monocoupes to victory that year. Models such as the 110 Special could be equipped with shortened wings specifically for racing.
Why Not Model . . . Spartan Executive
An Executive, the National Air Races, an aeronautical school, and one man's dreams. What does all of this have in common? Our subject this month, the Spartan Executive. First, a look at the background of this CadillacTM of the skies. With an interest in aviation that included building models and experimenting with gliders, Willis Brown graduated from Pratt Institute in 1914 upon completion of his studies in aeronautics.
Top Gun
This year's trek to the West Palm Beach (FL) Polo Club April 21-25 included competition in RC Scale, Scale Combat, and Free Flight Scale, as well as an AMA Delta Dart Program with a mass-launch contest during lunch. Pacer Technology and Model Airplane News were the primary sponsors of Top Gun.
